Hi! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m Nathalie and I tend to be happiest when the sun is shining, I’m near a large body of water, have a glass of wine in hand, and am snuggling with my delicious baby girl. Sometimes I get lucky and all of my favorite things happen at once! I am a recovering workaholic, a constant dot connector of ideas and people, and a type A down to the blood type. I am married to a man who keeps me on my toes and sane, who also reminds me that life is a gift even when it feels like it is falling apart. Until recently we lived in New York City, a city that never sleeps and where dreams come true. Life may feel like it is on pause there but NYC always comes back and you know what they say… the comeback is always greater than the setback.
We are currently in my hometown in Southern California for the foreseeable future. If you are nearby, please drop a note to say hello! It’s always wonderful meeting neighbors even if virtually these days.
I stumbled upon (in)fertility advocacy in 2016, when it hit me that my desired next chapter of starting a family wasn’t happening, was harder than I could ever imagined it would be, and that it was all beyond my control. Not easy for a type A like me…
The realization that there was no amount of hope and planning that could actually create my desired outcome blew my mind. I learned that although I couldn’t (and still) can't control the future, I could do my part to optimize a successful outcome AND most importantly, could find happiness and peace in myself. As I look back, I get goose bumps thinking about how my journey has evolved into a larger cause and platform for (in)fertility awareness. I am so grateful for every single minute of (pain, happiness and insert just about emotion here) that I went through to get to where I am. I don't regret any of it; the highs, the lows, and the moments in between. Without those moments, I know that I would be less equipped to give selflessly and fully to a tiny human or quite frankly to anyone else. The game-changing moment was when I became a participant rather than just a spectator.
Everyone has a different (in)fertility story and path; mine was one with a lot of disappointment which was made lighter by finding wellness - nutrition, mental health and supportive relationships. I came to truly understand the quote “we rise by lifting others up” and have been in service to the (in)fertility community from that moment forward.
I was so taken by the power that health and wellness could possibly play, that I received my certification as a holistic health coach from the Nutrition School during an IVF break leading up to my third cycle. I have since received my Plant Based Nutrition certification from Cornell and am now Board Certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.
My fertility experience also inducted me into a community of strong women and men who advocate and have made it their mission to create awareness around (in)fertility.
This blog is my wonderful excuse to spend more time on the things that I am passionate about; namely supporting the community and the discussion around (in)fertility, IVF, and what the path to parenthood or to being childfree might look like.
If you’re interested in where all this started, you can read more here. If you would like to collaborate or share your story, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at hi@fertilust.com.
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The two images 2nd from the right above were photographed by Sarah Yates. Bio photos by Joey Paynter.
Progress redefined.
prog·ress \ prä-grəs (n): a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal)
But what if progress can’t be easily achieved linearly and by checking boxes? Is it worth rethinking the process and expectations? I certainly think so.
Progress Redefined: Rewiring expectations to achieve fulfillment and worth along the journey with the awareness that that the outcome is never promised.
So get in the game. Be a player not a spectator. It’s amazing where the path can lead when our eyes are open and we are awake to the possibilities.